Get Your Dancin' Shoes On

Breakdancing, aka b-boy or b-girl dancing, an urban dance style popularized in the 1970s, is today a vital part of worldwide hip-hop culture. The moves are full of athleticism, creativity, and attitude.

"If you can hold yourself down in battle, you can hold yourself down in life." Spoken by street dancer and promoter Romeo Navarro, the battle he refers to is that waged by b-boys and competing dance crews as rivals vie for glory and financial reward in Austin, TX. Director Garriott (Split Decision) focuses on the lives of former best friends Josh and Omar, with Josh's legal/behavioral struggles balanced against Omar's attempt to succeed in a world alien to his construction-worker father who believes that education, not dance, is essential to his son's future. The creativity and physicality of the dancers are astounding, and the mix of dance and the posturing of violence is the most captivating combination since the Sharks met the Jets. The narrative and production values are first rate, as are the music and graphics. Teens and adults will be fascinated by the moves and the story. This compelling film is not to be missed.—Bill Baars, Lake Oswego P.L., OR

Let's Break is a short instructional in which Professional dancer B-Boy Legacy demonstrates with two young students several easy-to-follow basic steps, jumps, freezes, and transitions. Extras include a description of a free-style circle and commentary by Legacy. Recommended for children through adults with an interest in busting a move.

Planet B-Boy is a compelling feature-length documentary that chronicles the 2005 "Battle of the Year" competition, in which b-boy dance crews from around the world face off in Germany. By focusing on individuals and teams from Japan, France, South Korea, and the United States, the film shows breathtaking advanced dance techniques and routines along with the dancers' personal stories. Bonus features (not seen by the reviewer) include an interview with the director and extended dance crew performances. Highly recommended for YAs and adults who find hip-hop a hip hobby.—Linda Frederiksen, Washington State Univ. Lib., Vancouver